Artificial intelligence are two words that have become common place in this newfound digital world. It is a form of reasoning and problem solving that allows computers and machines to function and guide intelligently. As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, voice-based devices have erupted onto the scene, leaving a lasting impact on the advertising industry.

With the introduction of voice search, consumers are more likely to speak into voice-based devices than enter a typed request. According to MarketingProfs, approximately 55 percent of teenagers and 41 percent of adults use voice search at least once a day.

In one year alone, sales of voice-based devices have quadrupled, from just 6.5 million devices sold in 2016 to more than 24.5 million in 2017. As consumers become more comfortable with voice-assistant technology, brands are forced to adapt to an environment of minimal control.

Brands must convey their messages in an almost subliminal manner accounting for consumers’ time, location and circumstance while retaining the value of the message. Keyword search is changing too, and as a result, SEO needs to take a more conversational approach, forcing brands to create new, engaging content to reach their audiences.

While creating new content in an ever-changing digital world may seem intimidating, there are several opportunities for advertisers with voice-based devices, including partnering with a celebrity.

Voice-assistant technology exposes a new form of “always-on” interaction between consumers and brands. It forms an instant, open dialogue, creating a conversational user experience.

Although there are a few voice assistants that dominate the market, like Amazon’s Alexa and Google’s Assistant, the barriers to entry are low, allowing brands both large and small to enter the voice technology space.

As voice technology grows globally, brands have the opportunity to monetize their audiences through “voice-native” ad experiences.

Importantly, millennials are driving the market for voice-based assistants. With millennials at the helm of voice technology, brands are able to target this large group of consumers by utilizing artificial intelligence marketing.

Voice technology can also be heightened by the power of celebrity. By partnering with a celebrity while also using voice-based devices, brands attract more consumers and develop a stronger relationship with their audience.

For example, Oprah became the first celebrity voice featured on Amazon’s Alexa, promoting the Favorite Things storefront on Amazon. While her voice is not a permanent feature, her audible presence helps draw attention to voice-based devices and the potential the technology holds for brands. The familiarity of a celebrity voice like Oprah is comforting and encouraging.

Screen browsing could soon become a thing of the past. Voice technology is game-changing technology with the potential to flip the digital world upside down. Brands who learn to adapt beyond the screen and into a world of voice-dominated advertising will settle market share and competitive advantage.

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I'm Bob Williams, CEO| Speaker | Author of The Brand Agent

The Brand Agent provides resources on how to build brands through celebrities, music and sports.

Celebrity marketing requires special knowledge and skills. My articles are intended to help save you time, money and frustration.

Over my career, I have led in negotiating thousands of celebrity contracts and helped match small and large brands with the right celebrity. I’m glad to share my celebrity marketing expertise with you.